Staff

 
 
 

Campus Pastor

Hey! I’m Pastor Noah Hartmann, and I serve as the campus pastor for The Beacon.
I’m passionate about sharing Christ and His love, and it’s a blessing to walk alongside college students as they grow in faith, build meaningful community, and discover how God’s Word speaks into everyday life.

I grew up in Milwaukee, WI, and studied at Martin Luther College in New Ulm before completing my theology degree at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in 2024. That summer, my family and I moved to Mankato to begin this exciting ministry.

My wife, Sarah, and I were married in 2020, and God has since blessed us with two daughters—Jovie (2023) and Eden (2025).

When I’m not on campus, I enjoy watching sports (Go Pack Go!), drinking coffee, running, reading, and spending time with my family. We love being part of the Mankato community and are always excited to welcome new students to The Beacon family.

Feel free to reach out or stop by—I’d love to grab coffee and get to know you!

 
 
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St. Paul’s Pastor

(North Mankato Location)

Pastor Marques Nelson was born in Greeley, Colorado, also growing up in Hoskins, Nebraska and Winona, Minnesota. For undergraduate pastoral studies, Marques attended Martin Luther College in New Ulm.  For several years, he worked in Milwaukee as a job developer, helping people with disabilities and disadvantages find jobs in their communities. While in Milwaukee, he completed his graduate seminary studies at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, WI. This included a year of internship (vicar) at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Thornton, Colorado. 

After graduation from Seminary, Pastor Nelson served as pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. During this time he enjoyed serving the members of Good Shepherd and working with them to develop plans for multi-site ministry. This included plans for a new mission in fast growing North Liberty, Iowa with components of campus ministry for the U of Iowa.

Pastor Nelson served as campus pastor for six years, and now works primarily as coordinating pastor at our St. Paul’s campus in North Mankato. He still loves to stop by the Beacon when he has a chance, grab a guitar for chapel, or play a board game with students.